How can technology facilitate communication.
Technology has transformed the way we communicate over the last few decades; instead of mailing letters we now have the option of emailing which is faster and gives you the option of sending the same document to multiple recipients.Communication is an essential aspect of our everyday life; to be able to express our thoughts. feelings, and ideas is very important in us being successful in society. Technology's emergence especially in the area of electronic communication such as cellular phones, social media, and instant messaging has helped to facilitate communication.
Assistive technology such as computers and iPads with special apps like text-to-speech helps facilitate communication in students with disabilities.How can UDL be applied to teaching students who are deaf and blind?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework with flexible curriculum and learning environment that enables students with disabilities to be successful in the classroom; it values the diversity of all learners. UDL framework provides accessible, responsive, motivating, and meaningful learning environments for all students. By applying the UDL principles, students who are deaf and blind can be taught by using multiple means of representation; this is how the information is presented to the students which for example would be through a computer app with braille capabilities that would enable the student who is deaf and blind to be presented the same information that is being presented to other students. Action and expression offers options and support so that all students can create, learn and share. They are provided with multiple means of expressing their understanding through different options such as text-to-speech which would enable the student to speak their response in a device which would translate the message to words instead of the student having to type a response. Engagement is how the student will be provided an opportunity and autonomy to be involved in classroom activities. This stimulates motivation and enthusiasm for learning in different ways.AT Tool for working with Students with Sensory Impairment
Sensory impairment is when one of the senses is challenged. Students with a sensory impairment has reduced ability or lack of ability in using one or more of three senses-vision, touch, and hearing. Sensory impairment can range from mild to severe which can significantly impact ones daily living.
One assistive tool for working with students with sensory impairment that I would implement in my classroom is an iPad with audible exam reader app. Audible Exam Reader is an app that enable students to download exams to their phones and have it read out the questions for them, without requesting any help from the teacher. This will enable students to focus and formulate responses. This app is very easy to use and is available in 5 languages. It has the capabilities of replaying, pausing and skipping questions which will give the students control of their exams.
Resources for Audible Exam Reader
Audio Exam Player (iPad), this app allows students to hear their test questions read aloud to them on their iPad.
Audio Exam Player, By Michael Matv, gives students a superior way of independently hearing test questions read aloud with human speech or mechanical speech
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